Canadiens’ 3 In-House Candidates to Replace David Savard Next Season

As the curtain begins to fall on the 2024–25 NHL season, one of the league’s most respected veterans is preparing to skate off into retirement. David Savard, a reliable, physical, and selfless defenseman, announced that this playoff run will be his last. For over a decade, Savard has been the type of player every coach loves: dependable, gritty, and willing to do the little things that rarely show up on the scoresheet but win games in the trenches. His departure will leave a noticeable void on the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line, and the question now becomes: who’s ready to step into his skates?

Savard’s NHL journey began in 2009 when he was drafted in the fourth round, 94th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He went on to play over 800 games in the NHL, carving out a career built on strong defensive instincts, shot-blocking bravery, and a veteran presence that teammates valued deeply. After being a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup-winning team in 2021, he brought that championship experience to Montreal, where he quickly became a mentor for a rebuilding squad. In a locker room full of young players, Savard’s calming presence and work ethic were instrumental over the past few seasons.

This season, despite slowing down a bit, Savard remained a key figure on the Habs’ penalty kill and bottom defensive pairing. As he prepares to hang up his skates, Montreal will need to look within to find a replacement, someone capable of eating defensive minutes, contributing to special teams, and helping stabilize the third pair. Luckily for the Canadiens, there are a few promising candidates in the system, each offering a unique path forward.

1. Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj may have spent the latter portion of the season in the press box, but he shouldn’t be forgotten when it comes to future planning. The 24-year-old defenseman brings a rare combination of size, strength, and physicality that makes him tailor-made for a third-pair role. Nicknamed “WiFi” by fans and teammates for his last name’s resemblance to a scrambled password, Xhekaj made a name for himself as a fearsome enforcer.

While consistency has been a challenge this season, and competition for ice time grew with the emergence of Jayden Struble, Xhekaj still has all the tools to re-establish himself as a full-time NHLer. If the Canadiens are looking for someone to bring physical bite and hold down a defensive role on the third pair, he could be the most logical internal option. With players like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson playing bigger minutes, Xhekaj could thrive in a sheltered role, and with a guy like Alexandre Carrier already on the roster, the penalty-killing minutes vacated by Savard could be handed to a more defensively reliable partner, allowing Xhekaj to focus on 5-on-5 play.

2. David Reinbacher

When the Canadiens selected David Reinbacher fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, expectations were sky-high. The big Austrian defenseman was praised for his maturity, poise under pressure, and two-way upside, traits that aligned perfectly with the Habs’ long-term defensive vision. However, this season was more of a developmental year for Reinbacher, who dealt with injuries and limited North American action after joining the Laval Rocket late last season.

Still, his pedigree speaks for itself. Reinbacher skates well for a big man, makes smart outlet passes, and possesses the type of calm, mistake-free game that NHL coaches crave in a depth role. While he may not step into Savard’s PK minutes right away, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Reinbacher push for a roster spot out of camp next fall. At 20 years old, he still needs to adjust to the pace and physicality of the NHL, but the Canadiens didn’t draft him to marinate forever in the minors. With a strong summer and a good training camp, he could force management’s hand and slide into a third-pairing role.

3. Logan Mailloux

Logan Mailloux might be the most dynamic defenseman in the Canadiens’ system not currently in the NHL. The 6-foot-3 right-handed blueliner has had a strong season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Laval Rocket, showcasing his offensive instincts, booming shot, and ability to quarterback a power play. He’s confident with the puck and always looking to make something happen, traits that make him exciting, but also a bit risky in the defensive zone.